This is an introduction to Oscar Lewis' theory of the culture of poverty and an analysis of the Functionalist and Conflict perspective in Sociology

1. The Culture of Poverty
Tracy, Kimberly, Tifanny and Sydney

2. Discuss the extent
to which theories
on the culture of
poverty offer any
valid explanation
of poverty in the
Caribbean. Your
discussion should
include alternate
perspectives

3. What is Poverty?
Absolute/Subsistence
Poverty
 A socioeconomic condition in
which people are unable to
meet basic requirements to
sustain physical life
Relative Poverty
Defined in comparison to the
norms/standards and expectations
of people in a particular society at
a particular time

4. OSCAR LEWIS
 The concept of a culture of poverty was introduced by American
anthropologist, Oscar Lewis, as a result of studying the urban poor
in Mexico and Puerto Rico.
 Poverty is the result of a set of norms and values characterized by
individuals that leads to the development of a subculture that is
transmitted from one generation to the next

5. Individual Level
 Feelings of marginalisation, helplessness and
inferiority
 A sense of resignation and fatalism
 Immediate gratification as to delayed gratification
Characteristics of the Culture of
Poverty

6. Family Level
 Common Law relationships,
consensual marriages
 High divorce rates
 High number of female headed
households
 Violence as a means of dispute
resolution and discipline
Characteristics of the Culture of
Poverty

7. Community Level
 Fatalistic attitude
 Non-participation
 Non-membership in trade unions
 Little use of banks, hospitals…
Characteristics of the Culture of
Poverty

8. MARXIST PERSPECTIVE

14. FUNCTIONALIST PERSPECTIVE
Functionalist theory assumes that society’s structure and processes exist
because they serve important functions for its stability and continuity.

15. FUNCTIONS OF POVERTY
 Ensures society’s dirty work
gets done
 Create jobs for others
(teachers, doctors, lawyers)
 Serve as guinea pigs in
experiments
 Used as measuring sticks
 Extend economic value of
goods

16. FUNCTIONS OF POVERTY
 Make the economy
more efficient
 Provide
entertainment
 Enrich music
 Justify desirability of
hard work and
conventional norms

17. THANK YOU